Black & White Gingham + Red!

I love a great black, white and red color combination. Since last year, I've been planning to make something... anything in black and white gingham.

I've fully embraced the off-the-shoulder trend for this season. So I'm going to be rocking it until the wheels fall off -- meaning until I'm absolutely sick of seeing myself in it.

This interpretation is (OOP) Simplicity 3835 from 2007. I cut the size 12 and sewed it straight from the envelope. I made mine in a black and white cotton/spandex blend gingham shirting from Joann's. This fabric stood out to me in a unique way because it was 58" wide and also had a bit of give. I can't find it on the website, but if you run across shirting this wide, instead of the normal 44", I suggest your grab it!

Not only did it have the perfect subtle off-the-shoulder detail, but the sleeve ties are winners.

I once again reached for Simplicity 8058. I loved my navy blue version so much that I knew these had to be a repeat. This time I reached for red. I used the same type of ponte from Joann's. The only change I made this time was to omit the buttons and the front tab. I thought that was a cute detail the first time, but not needed again. I love the high-waisted style and the topstitching. I added a cute zipper pull because these pants were meant to have a tucked in top. I love the fit. I prefer a fitted flare than a wide leg pair of pants. Fitted flares are much more flattering on me. Wide leg pants fall from the hip and just make me look wide all the way down, from hip to heel. With a fitted flare I need my legs to actually show and the width to begin below the knee. And yes, I'll be making these again.

It's a top and knit pants. Hardly special occasion wear. And I had on espadrille wedges! It was already worn on Sunday!!! In case you didn't know, I don't "stunt dress" for the blog. If you see it, it's already been worn! Thanks Ines!

Erica, I absolutely adore this outfit on you! It is truly beautiful! I usually stay away from off the shoulder type tops because my shoulders are so broad in comparison to the rest of my body. However, this version of the off the shoulder top is GORGEOUS! I believe I'm attracted to it because it only shows the shoulders "peeking" which is very appealing (and sexy) to me! … And those pants, they leave me speechless!

Erica, Darn you have given me serious off-the-shoulder top envy! This looks so springy & fresh on you. Is this a Made by Wendy pattern? The neckline on the line drawing looks higher than yours. If that is the correct pattern I will try to track one down! Thanks! Kay